Mickey Jones of DJ Property and David Norman of Condor Ferries joined representatives from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and the South West Regional Development Agency to see the progress being made on the project.

The group were driven through the Ridgeway cutting to see the scale of the works and the start of the restoration of chalk grassland.

They also saw the newly constructed beams of the Manor Railway Bridge and the measures being taken in Littlemoor to protect residents from road noise.

Mickey Jones of DJ Property said:

"It was great to see that things are going so well and I am confident that we will have a road to be proud of, which will improve access for existing businesses and make Weymouth a far more attractive location for inward investment.

"I was genuinely impressed with not only the many innovative design aspects incorporated, but also the efforts that have been made to minimise the impact on the environment."

David Norman of Condor Ferries said:

"I was really impressed with the relief road construction. This road will significantly improve access to Weymouth for our customers and has the potential to provide additional flexibilities for Condor Ferries in operating its services. We have been waiting a long time for this and I can't wait for it to open."

Councillor Geoff Petherick, Economy Briefholder for Weymouth and Portland said:

"I am delighted that business leaders have been to see the relief road. It is important that they act as ambassadors for the borough, in highlighting the business opportunities here and the contribution that the road will make to making the area more attractive for business."

Once complete, the relief road will improve the transport infrastructure for the Weymouth and Portland area and help the economic growth of the area.

Dorset County Council cabinet member for transport Col Geoffrey Brierley said:

"At the moment, businesses in the Weymouth and Portland area can have a tough time getting deliveries as the A353 through Poxwell and Osmington is a narrow and winding road, and the A354 has a height restriction due to the railway bridge.

"There can also be problems with deliveries due to the unpredictable journey times on the A354.

"The Weymouth Relief Road will release businesses from the stranglehold our current road system has them in, and will also help attract other businesses to the area."

Other visitors to the scheme have included local school children, county and borough councillors, representatives from the Olympic Delivery Authority, the Member of Parliament for South Dorset, members of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce and members of Portland Rotary Club.